Category: English

Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – as a speaker. His participation comes as the country advances its latest licensing round, seeking to increase production through fresh investment in offshore and onshore blocks. With the round set to close in the second half of 2025, Egypt is gearing up for accelerated growth across its upstream industry.

Egypt’s latest licensing round was launched in March 2025, featuring 13 offshore and onshore blocks across key hydrocarbon regions. Available acreage includes seven undeveloped fields in the Mediterranean Sea, three offshore exploration blocks in the Gulf of Suez and three onshore exploration areas in the Western Desert. The bid round forms part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to attract new investment across the upstream sector and follows a previous 12-block round which closed in February 2025. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Badawi is expected to share insights into the impact these licensing rounds will have on the market.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Egypt’s bold licensing strategy comes as the country strives to mitigate production decline and support the development of high-potential blocks. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the country has set a target of drilling 586 oil and gas wells by 2030 and is strengthening collaboration with international partners to realize this goal. Recent deals and exploration milestones align with this strategy, indicating a positive growth trajectory for the country’s upstream oil and gas sector.

Egypt approved two transactions by Russian energy firm Lukoil in May 2025, covering exploration and production rights for acreage in the South Wadi El-Sahl region of the Eastern Desert and the Wadi El-Sahl area. Energy major ExxonMobil signed an MoU for a new operational framework in the Cairo and Masry offshore concession areas of the Mediterranean Sea while energy major Eni is spearheading a $26 billion investment strategy across three North African countries – including Egypt. In terms of drilling, Eni is preparing to drill two development wells at the Zohr gas field in 2025. ExxonMobil plans to drill a new offshore gas exploration well in the North Marakia Offshore Concession. The Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company also plans to drill 17 exploratory and evaluation wells in 2025/2026, targeting acreage in the Delta and Mediterranean Sea. The company is investing $434 million in drilling activities.  

Beyond exploration, Egypt is working toward scaling-up its production and export capacity to support growing demand in both regional and international markets. As one of Africa’s top gas producers, Egypt already plays an instrumental part in global supply chains, but upcoming projects stand to further consolidate its position as a global exporter. Turkey is deploying a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) to Egypt, which will provide LNG storage and regasification services to the country during peak demand periods in 2025. Another agreement was signed with energy infrastructure firm Höegh Evi for the supply of a FSRU, which will be situated at the Port of Sumed in Q4, 2026. The FSRU enhance the country’s regasification and export capacity. Meanwhile, energy major Chevron announced plans to conduct a seabed survey in the eastern Mediterranean, aiming to develop a pipeline that will transport gas from Cyprus’ Aphrodite field to processing facilities in Egypt. This will not only support regional gas monetization but cements Egypt’s role as a regional petroleum hub. Badawi’s insights at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 are expected to support both upcoming projects and efforts to integrate regional markets.

“Egypt is not only assessing short-term production strategies but implementing initiatives that ensure long-term growth across the upstream oil and gas industry. Spearheaded by Minister Badawi, the country is advancing its bold licensing strategy, offering blocks that have the potential to transform the exploration and production space. This approach signals a strong commitment by the government to establish a globally-competitive and resilient energy sector in North Africa,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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As the global energy transition accelerates and demand for critical minerals continues to surge, Africa’s vast mineral wealth – accounting for 30% of the world’s critical minerals – is capturing the attention of investors, innovators and policymakers worldwide. African Mining Week (AMW) – taking place on October 1 – 3, 2025 in Cape Town – arrives at a pivotal moment for the continent’s mining sector. Under the theme From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW is set to be a game-changing platform that will connect governments, industry leaders, financiers, and technology providers to shape the next phase of mining-led development across Africa.

Multi Track Agenda

AMW 2025 will feature a comprehensive multi-track program designed to reflect the full spectrum of Africa’s mining value chain. Delegates will have access to the Strategic Conference, Technical Conference, and Mining Investment Hub – each offering dynamic discussions on issues ranging from regulatory improvements and infrastructure development to mergers, acquisitions, and local content policies. The program is geared toward fostering investment, promoting downstream beneficiation, and accelerating inclusive economic growth through value-added mineral processing.

Country Spotlights

Country Spotlights will take center stage at AMW, offering targeted investment intelligence and updates from key African mining jurisdictions. The country spotlights will highlight opportunities within the world’s largest platinum group metals producer; South Africa, which accounts for over 80% of the world’s total reserves. The Zambia spotlight will showcase opportunities resulting from efforts by the country to increase its copper output to three million tons per annum by 2031. Today, Zambia ranks as Africa’s second largest copper producer. The spotlight on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – the world’s largest cobalt producer and Africa’s leading copper producer – will connect investors with emerging opportunities as the country intensifies the creation of Special Economic Zones for electric vehicle manufacturing using local mineral resources. Botswana’s diamond-led economic growth strategy, Gabon’s evolving landscape under its reformed Mining Code, and Morocco’s phosphate-driven value addition will be unpacked during the country spotlights. Emerging lithium markets in Namibia and Zimbabwe will also be in focus, as these countries position themselves as key suppliers for battery and green technology supply chains.

Dedicated Forums

Dedicated forums and summits at AMW will provide platforms for deeper engagement on sector-specific themes. The Ministerial Forum will showcase policy reform initiatives to boost investor confidence and unlock project pipelines. The Gold Summit will explore Africa’s position in global gold markets, while the Women in Leadership Forum will promote gender inclusion across the extractive industries. The Technology Forum will feature cutting-edge mining solutions powered by AI, automation, and data analytics. The Junior Miners Forum will create a dedicated space for emerging companies to connect with financiers, development partners, and technology providers.

Regional Roundtables

AMW 2025 will host a series of Regional Roundtables to catalyze multi-billion-dollar collaborations between Africa and global partners and position the continent as a competitive hub for mineral development and beneficiation. The U.S.-Africa, China-Africa, European Partnerships in Mining, and Middle East-Africa roundtables will promote joint ventures, infrastructure financing, knowledge exchange, and innovation transfer.

Technical Workshops

Technical Workshops will provide hands-on training and in-depth learning opportunities for engineers, ESG professionals, and mining executives. Topics will include sustainable mineral processing, ESG compliance, AI-powered exploration, and advanced drilling technologies.

High Level Panel Discussions

Throughout the three-day event, AMW 2025 will also serve as a high-level platform for strategic discussions that address Africa’s pressing industry challenges. These include sector financing, environmental and social governance, supply chain traceability, formalization of small-scale mining, skills development, and the broader implications of digitalization in mining operations. Ministers, regulators, service providers, and industry leaders will come together to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and turn insights into action.

African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference on October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading, award-winning, pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, has introduced WhatsApp into its growing distribution ecosystem. By leveraging Africa’s most widely used messaging app, APO Group is enhancing the speed, reach, and accessibility of reliable news. The newly launched Africa Newsroom WhatsApp channels provide a streamlined way for media practitioners to browse, share, and publish press releases. APO Group’s WhatsApp distribution now operates similarly to the company’s Telegram channels, offering news in English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese to accommodate Africa’s diverse languages and regional needs.

With an estimated 200 million users across Africa—including 90–100 million in Nigeria, 28–29 million in South Africa, and 20–21 million in Ghana—WhatsApp stands as a vital communication tool. APO Group’s strategic move bridges the gap between PR professionals, journalists, and digital content creators, responding to the continent’s evolving media consumption habits.

Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, commented: “At APO Group, we don’t just share Africa’s stories—we power them with purpose and precision. Integrating WhatsApp into our distribution network is more than innovation; it’s a commitment to making African voices more immediate, more accessible, and more impactful than ever before. This is how we honour the continent we serve—by meeting its people where they are, and delivering news that matters, faster and farther.”

Following the success of its Telegram rollout, APO Group continues to adapt its PR services to meet the demands of a fast-paced, digital-first media environment. “This is more than distribution—it’s about empowerment, accessibility, and real-time storytelling,” Wijne added.

By equipping clients and news professionals with the tools to communicate more effectively, APO Group is helping close the media gap and strengthen African narratives. With the Africa Newsroom platform, Telegram integration, and now WhatsApp, the company is reshaping the future of public relations across the continent and ensuring Africa’s voice resonates globally.

– on behalf of APO Group.

About APO Group:  
Founded in 2007, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.    

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.  

APO Group’s esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa’s Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.

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In a youth consultation with young women from across Libya on Sunday, UNSMIL discussed the recommendations of the Advisory Committee (AC) and what they wanted to see as the future political direction of the country. 

The twenty-six young women, from the east, south and west of the country are part of the UN in Libya’s Ra’idat programme, which focuses on developing the young women in leadership, communications, teamwork and advocacy skills. 

“The Advisory Committee provided options that have not been seriously considered before,” said one participant. “Its first recommendation — to hold simultaneous elections after unifying the government and adjusting presidential candidacy criteria — could be Libya’s last real chance for political stability. If this effort fails, I fear there may be no meaningful opportunity for change anytime soon.” 

Participants shared their concerns about the feasibility of the recommendations and the different challenges posed by the options. They highlighted the importance of youth voices being included in the political process. 

“Whatever direction is taken regarding the AC options, it’s essential that the process is transparent and inclusive—especially when it comes to youth participation,” said another participant. “Young people have long been excluded from key decision-making spaces, yet they are among those most invested in Libya’s future. A credible political process should open the door for fresh perspectives and meaningful engagement from the new generation.”  

Discussing which of the options they preferred, many felt that option four would give Libyans more of a say in the process, but they felt it had to take into consideration a strict timeline, an accountability framework, and anti-corruption mechanisms. 

UNSMIL published the Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s Report in May, including its four proposed options to move the political process forward. 

It also launched a public consultation and survey  to ask people to put forward their recommendations and ideas and decided which of these options they would prefer:  

1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously;  

2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution;  

3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or  

4. Establishing a political dialogue committee, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution.   

More information on the youth consultations and how to get involved can be found here.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

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“Effective prisoner rehabilitation remains one of the biggest concerns for us and our national prisons counterparts in South Sudan,” reveals Barbrah Nyamasoka.

Barbrah is a corrections advisor with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“With increasing conflict, insecurity and economic instability, we decided that boosting year-round farming in prisons would not only upskill inmates, aiding their eventual reintegration into society upon completion of their sentences, but also contribute to reducing food insecurity,” she added.

Pibor Prison is one such correctional facility which has embraced this concept of ‘green corrections.’

Here, inmates are responsible for farming two hectares of land within the prison, divided into a rice field on one side and vegetables on the other.

“Prisoners are now gainfully occupied learning agricultural skills and producing nutritious food,” explained Captain Amos Konyi, the coordinator of Pibor Prison.

“We now also grow vegetables such as okra, sukuma wiki (collard greens), and many more,” he added.

Captain Konyi’s pride in this initiative was validated by Peter Guzulu Maze, Chief Administrator, Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) who toured this innovative and environmentally friendly corrections initiative.

“Upholding the rule of law and security goes hand in hand with ensuring prisoners are given the tools they need to reintegrate into society,” said Chief Administrator Maze. “I am impressed with what I have seen here and commend inmates and prison management for actioning this successful initiative. For my part, I reiterate my ongoing commitment to improving conditions in our prisons,” he added.

Mr Maze was accompanied by representatives from the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Rule of Law and Security Institutions Section (RoLSIS), who have worked with partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as well as nongovernmental organizations to action this project become self-sufficient.

“We keep visiting to make sure the project is running smoothly, that inmate-farmers are correctly using the solar-powered irrigation system given by our colleagues at FAO, and, that overall prison conditions are improving,” explained Barbrah.

From improved infrastructure to hands-on rehabilitation, this marks a renewed focus on dignity and development in South Sudan’s correctional system.

“This farm helps us produce food, gives us the physical exercise we need, but above all, gives us hope for rebuilding our lives once we finish our sentences,” says Jakor Kuron, an inmate.

For Mary Gazulu, this small initiative with a big impact gives her space to have a dream.

“When I am finally released, I’m going to teach my children how to grow rice in the rich land of Pibor,” she smiles.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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At the #USAfricaSummit2025 in Luanda, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to a bold & equal partnership with the United States, stating, “We’re not seeking aid, but building co-created solutions.”

He noted that with 1.3 billion people, abundant resources, & a surge in innovation, Africa is poised for transformative growth. From agribusiness in West Africa to fintech in East Africa, the AU is supporting private sector-led development across all regions.

He also underscored that strategic sectors such as manufacturing, digital, energy, & agro-industry, are open for U.S. investment. The AU’s Private Sector Forum, SME and startup legislation, & its Digital Strategy are laying the groundwork for inclusive, sustainable prosperity.

He concluded by saying “this should not just be a summit, but a call to action,” he said. “Together, let’s walk the pathways to prosperity—with unity, purpose, & Agenda 2063 as our guide.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).